We are the Future - The Beginning

Memorial Day is right around the corner here in the United States. Aside from it being the unofficial start of the summer season, this time of year also signifies another milestone--college graduations!

After years of hard work and effort it's all going to pay off for students earning their degrees this year. And while the economy is uncertain, and a number of students will face difficult challenges in achieving the career of their dreams, it's hard to deny that graduating from college is a special occasion.

At many college ceremonies there is a keynote speaker who endeavors to express a sentiment--hope, bravery, a nobility of purpose--that resonates with those that attend. It has to be a prestigious, yet nerve-wracking task. If there's ever a time to not "phone it in" this is it! Some schools have had someone well known to speak. it's interesting to see how those that are famous rise (and sometimes not) to the occasion. Whatever you may think about them, for all of their wealth, celebrity, or status, many seem genuinely moved to provide some sort of inspirational to those looking to carve out their own future. Of all the ones that I've seen or read about the one by J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series of books, is my favorite.

This week on my blog we're going to celebrate those that have reached their goal of graduating, with a special emphasis on those earning a Human Resources related degree. Regardless of what I may think and do about the current state of HR, it's these new graduates that will be making the most difference. Their perspective, education, and hunger will have them doing things in this arena we've only just started imagining. I wish them the best of luck and I hope you do as well. Regardless, they will define this world, with or without us.

As a commencement of sorts I have a series of blog posts from guest contributors lined up. They'll be providing their own perspectives on who they are, as individuals and as part of an emerging group, as well as what they want. At the end of the series I'll be launching an e-book entitled, We are the Future - Thoughts from the HR Graduating Class of 2012. This will serve as a snapshot, a way of capturing the voices of those leaving college and looking toward the next steps in their lives.

So stick around for graduation!